Kannada actor Ranya Rao is under investigation for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) suspects she has strong links in Dubai, where gold bars were handed to her. Rao allegedly wrapped them around her body using tape and crepe bandages. She reportedly bypassed security at Bengaluru airport with the help of a protocol officer. Her mobile and laptop remain locked as the DRI probes further. The agency says she hasn’t denied most charges and has bruise marks on her face. Authorities are investigating a larger smuggling nexus.

US President Donald Trump blamed Canadian PM Justin Trudeau for the 25% tariff on Canadian imports, alleging he is using it as a re-election strategy. The US imposed the tariff citing Canada’s failure to curb fentanyl exports, prompting Ottawa to retaliate with 25% tariffs on $20.82 billion in US imports. Trudeau warned of a prolonged trade war and approached the WTO for consultations. Trump announced a one-month exemption for US automakers but insisted Trudeau “largely caused” the issue. Canadian officials stated they won’t lift retaliatory tariffs unless the US removes all restrictions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a truce on air and sea attacks to demonstrate Russia's commitment to ending the war. He urged a halt to strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure and military operations in the Black Sea. He also suggested that releasing prisoners could build trust and lead to a fair settlement. Addressing EU leaders in Brussels, Zelenskyy backed the ReArm Europe Plan, urging significant investment in Ukraine’s defense industry. He announced resumed talks with the U.S., hoping for a "meaningful meeting" next week.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed his tough stance against US tariffs, stating Canada will continue its trade retaliation. "We will not be backing down from our response tariffs until unjustified American tariffs on Canadian goods are lifted," Trudeau said in Ottawa. His remarks followed a 50-minute "colorful" call with US President Donald Trump. Canada has imposed a 25% tariff on C$30 billion worth of US imports, with further measures planned. The trade conflict, involving China and Mexico, has sparked global market concerns. Trudeau vowed continued negotiations but warned of prolonged economic tensions.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to prepare for Ukraine’s defense without U.S. support, warning of Russia’s ongoing threat. In a televised address, he stressed the need for more arms and defense investment, adding that European forces might be needed post-war. British PM Keir Starmer echoed his stance amid tensions between Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The U.S. paused Ukraine aid, while Zelenskyy signaled openness to a minerals deal. Macron insisted, “Peace cannot mean Ukraine’s capitulation.” With U.S. ties strained, Europe faces growing pressure to secure Ukraine’s future.

Former soldier Kyle Clifford, 28, has been convicted of raping his ex-partner during a triple murder at the home of BBC racing commentator John Hunt in Bushey, Hertfordshire. Clifford admitted to killing Louise Hunt, 25, her sister Hannah, 28, and their mother Carol, 61, using a crossbow and a butcher’s knife. The court heard that Clifford committed the rape as an act of spite after Louise ended their relationship. Despite claiming a prior encounter before the attack, evidence refuted his defense. Clifford, who did not attend his trial, now faces a life sentence for murder, rape, and other serious charges.              

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to revoke temporary legal status for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled Russia’s invasion, potentially putting them at risk of deportation. According to Reuters, citing a senior Trump official and three sources, the move could take effect as early as April. This marks a stark reversal from the Biden administration’s welcoming stance. The rollback is part of a broader effort to strip legal protections from over 1.8 million migrants admitted under Biden’s humanitarian parole programs. The policy shift was already in motion before Trump’s recent public clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.  

US President Donald Trump has said his administration is “reclaiming” the Panama Canal after a US-led group bought stakes in a key port. The Panama President, Jose Raul Mulino, called Trump’s statement false. “Once again, President Trump is lying,” Mulino wrote on X, rejecting the claim. Trump said the US has “already started” taking back the canal, built by the US and handed to Panama in 1999. He has accused China of controlling it. The $19 billion deal involves BlackRock buying shares from a Hong Kong firm. Panama insists it remains in full control of the canal.

New Zealand has fired its High Commissioner to the UK, Phil Goff, after he questioned Donald Trump’s understanding of history during a London event. Speaking at Chatham House, Goff asked, “Do you think he really understands history?”—prompting laughter from the audience.   Foreign Minister Winston Peters called the remarks “disappointing” and said, “You’re not able to free-think, you are the face of New Zealand.” He confirmed officials are discussing Goff’s return. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark criticised the decision, calling it “a very thin excuse” to remove a “highly respected” diplomat.

Israel’s military has built an AI tool like ChatGPT using Palestinian phone calls and messages. The system, developed by Unit 8200, aims to track people and analyse large amounts of data. Experts warn it may be biased and make mistakes. Human rights groups say using private conversations for AI training is a violation of privacy. The AI was developed after the 2023 Gaza war and may already be in use. Critics fear it could target innocent people. The Israeli military did not confirm details but said it uses intelligence to stop terrorist activities.